Iconic Metal Musician Set to Undergo Emergency Procedure

British heavy metal band Saxon has recently faced the unfortunate necessity of canceling several summer shows due to their lead singer Biff Byford’s requirement for emergency surgery.

In an official statement, the group revealed that a total of 10 summer performances and appearances, including their highly anticipated slots at several noted festivals such as Wacken Open Air, Pol’And’Rock, and Summer Breeze, have been either postponed or canceled. The decision to put a halt to these shows was made in light of Byford’s urgent medical needs.

Expressing regret over this situation, a band representative emphasized that the health and well-being of the group takes precedence over all other considerations. Despite the disappointment of missing out on performing for their devoted fans, Saxon remains hopeful about resuming their live shows at the Trutnoff Open Air Festival in the Czech Republic on August 23 and at Neuborn Open Air on August 29. They are also eagerly looking forward to embarking on scheduled tours across Spain, France, and the United Kingdom later this year, showcasing their unwavering commitment to sharing their music with audiences far and wide.

Byford, who played a pivotal role in founding Saxon back in 1977, will now be undergoing a medical procedure that necessitates several weeks of recovery. Although the statement did not disclose the specific nature of the emergency surgery, the canceled shows are set to span a six-week period, starting with the Area 53 Festival in Austria on July 12 and concluding at the Summer Breeze Festival in Dinkelsbühl, Germany on August 16. Saxon has assured their fans that they are actively collaborating with event organizers to explore options for rescheduling these performances, demonstrating their dedication to making it up to their loyal supporters.

This is not the first time that Biff Byford has had to undergo surgery, with the singer previously undergoing a procedure in August 2024 to address atrial flutter, a heart rhythm condition. Speaking about his recovery from that experience, Byford likened the impact of the surgery to feeling as if “a train hit me,” but noted that he was now back home and focused on resting and recuperating.

Despite the challenges posed by Byford’s health-related setback, Saxon has remained resilient and is actively planning to resume their live shows once the lead singer has sufficiently recovered. In the meantime, fans around the world eagerly await the return of the band to the stage, where they can continue to deliver their signature high-octane performances.